Danielle Guercio

Find your next ballgown at the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

9 June 2014

Some sales are filled with last season’s flops which are still in demand to some based on the names on the label, and others are stocked with current pieces. Whether or not this is a strategy to more back-stock or duds, we will never know, but one thing we are aware of, is Alice + Olivia’s current selection in addition to previous season’s wear.

Just a month ago on a Meatpacking district stroll, we noticed a beautiful sweetheart-necked gown in the bridesmaid color assigned to this dear writer for a summer wedding. Upon seeing the $598 price tag, we ran screaming from the store and onto cheaper pastures. Who would have thought that this very dress, so recently on display in the store’s window, would be hanging amongst the eveningwear at the 260 Fifth sale space. Though the speed with which this dress could be had for 50% off was astonishing, it is still $250 for one night’s outfit, not so much our bag.

This was the opposite case for most of the shoppers. Though there was no entrance or checkout line, the Alice and Olivia sale was bursting at the seams with thirsty, angry fashionistas. We were nearly trampled by an errant Frenchwoman near the $50 rack, no apologies and no signs of slowing her down. This would be one of those sales, where people are a bit more bloodthirsty. The dressing room line was Trader Joe’s esque, sisyphean and serpent like winding through the racks, with a 10 item limit.

Alice and Olivia’s clothes are mostly beautiful, with varying textures and materials. There was even a bustier 100% encrusted with lacquer turquoise settings of many shapes. Sequins, dupioni silk, mesh, lace, and full on beading were all found on blouses and ballgowns. Fitness clad rich girls came straight from their Barreworks classes to drop $2,000 or more on massive piles of clothes, so be aware of your competition here.

One more item of note: we did not see any of the David Choe collab at this sale, and if you are interested at all in social justice, we recommend avoiding any pieces from the artist’s recent collaboration with the line. Without getting too heavy, we know some shoppers would not want to be wearing clothes designed by someone who is taking much heat for his treatment of women. Steer away from these pieces unless you happen to be a morbid collector, these will probably be of great value on auction someday.

Not a cheap sale, know what you are getting into at this week’s offering from the 260 space, go with your credit card or kiss that ribbon trimmed bralette goodbye, since the girl next to you already had her paws on it.

WHEN: 6/9 – 6/14; M (noon-8), Tue-F (10-8), Sat (10-2)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street